On a planet where light pollution has increased by roughly 50% over the past two decades, the new AlUla Dark Sky Park stands out as a remarkable destination for astrotourism enthusiasts.
During Ramadan, AlUla has further cemented its status as an astronomical sanctuary. The region earned certification from DarkSky International after protecting 2,373 square miles of its night sky, ensuring the protection of night skies that rank among the clearest 5% in the world.
This milestone makes the ancient oasis the third-largest dark sky park in the world. The technical designation now includes Sharaan National Park and the Wadi Nakhlah Nature Reserve, which join the previously accredited sites of AlUla Manara and the Gharameel Nature Reserve.
This network of protected landscapes is the result of an astrotourism policy designed to control light pollution across the entire 2,373-square-mile area.
These measures include mandatory lights-off schedules in Sharaan National Park and the Wadi Nakhlah Nature Reserve to reduce artificial brightness. Fixtures that emit light toward the horizon or directly upward are also prohibited.
This regulatory rigor allows AlUla to function as a natural observatory where the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye, free from the light pollution that obscures the skies over 99% of Europe.
The preservation of dark skies aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the national economy through culturally rich, low-impact tourism.
Tradition and science: the role of lunar observation in AlUla’s certification
Beyond its technical classification, AlUla’s dark skies have a deep connection to the region’s cultural heritage. For generations, the clarity of the western horizon determined the beginning of Ramadan.
The community relied on a “Moon Observer” — an expert who climbed elevated points such as Al Madhbah Fort or the volcanic ridge of Harrat ‘Uwayrid to spot the first sliver of the new moon.
The traditional method involved observing the reflection of the stars in a copper bowl filled with water, confirming the sighting by holding up a palm leaf to frame the crescent.
This astronomical precision — once necessary to send the official telegram to the court in Riyadh — depended on an atmosphere free from dust and pollution. These are precisely the conditions that today’s certification seeks to preserve against the encroachment of modern development.
AlUla Dark Sky Park: a sanctuary against light pollution
The technical data behind DarkSky International‘s certification comes from independent measurements confirming the exceptional air quality and the absence of urban glow.
Site managers — in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 sustainability goals — prioritize immersive, unhurried experiences over conventional tourism infrastructure.
This protection of the night sky also ties directly into the stewardship of archaeological sites such as Hegra and Dadan. Preserving the dark sky thus becomes an act of cultural stewardship, protecting AlUla’s Nabataean heritage.
